Thursday, June 01, 2006

Snakes on a Plain

How did I miss this one this first time around? The University of Florida News is reporting that their researchers are behind the idea to catch Burmese pythons (Python molurus bivittatus) in the Everglades using "Judas snakes." The scientists implant radio transmitters in the pythons and then set them loose. By following the radio signals, the scientists can track their movements, which invariably lead back to other, untagged pythons. The betrayed wild pythons are then captured - so far with four Judas snakes, they've captured 15 wild ones. One important question remains unanswered, however: do the "snitch snakes" know they're wearing a wire? :-)